Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming MS drama includes language and drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Take My Hand
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In TAKE MY HAND, Laura (Radha Mitchell) enjoys a successful career in London after moving from her Australian hometown in her late teens. At the height of her career, and with a husband (Bart Edwards) and three kids at home, things look perfect from the outside, but an MS diagnosis throws everything into turmoil. Suffering one loss after another, Laura moves back to Australia and reconnects with childhood sweetheart Michael (Adam Demos)—a spark from her past that may reignite her passion for life.
Is It Any Good?
It may feel a little cheesy in places—particularly the first half—but knowing it is based on true events, there is an impactful poignancy to this Australian romantic drama. Take My Hand is actually executive-produced by the real-life Laura (Claire Jensz) and directed by her husband, John Raftopoulos. It is not only a film about love, grief, and home, but a nuanced portrayal of a person diagnosed with MS as they mourn the loss of aspects of their identity but learn to embrace who they are beyond their condition. Mitchell's performance is key here in getting the tone right, and she balances strength with vulnerability, adding layers to material that's already complex by nature. Footage is shown at the end of Jensz herself—an inspirational figure whose fight comes across in every scene of this heartfelt drama.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how multiple sclerosis was portrayed in Take My Hand. How did the movie show Laura's journey from first learning her diagnosis to the end of the film? How did her attitude change? What were the things around her that helped or hindered her ability to cope? How did the movie balance struggle with hope?
Characters showed empathy and compassion during the film. Why are these important character strengths? How did various characters show these traits, and what impact did they have on others and on the story in general?
The movie deals with difficult themes. How did it compare to other movies or TV shows that highlight long-term health problems?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it feel appropriate for the type of film it was? What did it contribute to the movie?
How were smoking and drinking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 30, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 5, 2024
- Cast : Radha Mitchell , Adam Demos , Bart Edwards
- Director : John Raftopoulos
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Blue Fox Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2024
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